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Author
Topic: Hello Forum Members (Read 5404 times)

Hello, My name is Brad, I have had HIV since 4-3-03. my latest CD4=408 and I am still undetectable and have been for over 2 years now thanks to my meds. They include the following meds: Norvir,Zerit,Reyataz,Truvada and Fuzeon. I am originally from Grundy, Virginia after graduating high school I joined the U.S. Navy for 4 years where I served in the Gulf War for over a year. I then moved to Charlotte, NC in 1995 where I lived for 8 years. That is where I contrated the HIV virus. My first year with HIV was really bad, I had toxo, CMV retinitis, I lost from 220 down to 127 in 8 months at that time my CD4 count was 27 and my VL was 888,000. When I was first diagnosed with HIV they tried me on several medications with knowing I was allergic to AZT, therefor the meds didn't work at first. After moving to Tennessee in 2003, I went to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where the doctor did a genotype to see what I was allergic to, after that he put me the cocktail I am currently on, and my numbers Improved and My life also improved greatly. Therefor living with HIV can be coped with. I would like to be a HIV councilor and help those that are un-educated about the virus and how to life with it. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Your New Friend, Brad

I love your introduction. It is very sincere and honest. It is unfortunate that you have tested HIV positive. However, the good news is that you DO now know and you are doing something about it. Your Labs made an excellent rebound from where you started from.

I wish to extend a warm WELCOME to you here in the forums. As you have seen there is a lot of information, encouragement, communication, support, some cries, some laughter, and many of your questions relating to HIV/AIDS answered.

Please DO feel free to come and interact on the forum. There are people listening and answering as well. If you have not already, take a moment to read through our lessons section which is located on the upper left hand corner of the page. There is a lot of information at your disposal here.

Brad welcome to the family.. Sit back, relax, put your feet up.. You have found a pretty kewl home. Thanks for allow us a glimpse of how you got here. It really helps us all bind together. I applaud your desire to educate and council. My hat is off to you!

Please be gentle with Jerry, he is very sweet and just a tad bit sensitive. Poor boy cries at the drop of a pin, but then many of us here are able to relate also, so all I ask is that you be gentle with him..

Welcome, and I hope you enjoy yourself here.

In Love and Support.

Logged

The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals,and 362 to heterosexuals.This doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals, It's just that they need more supervision.Lynn Lavne

Welcome to the family! Thanx for sharing your resume'/ personal story.... and I wish you luck/ Godspeed on counseling....Heaven knows there are many who could benefit from your experiences and your positive attitude. As a new member I encourage you to sit back and take a slow trip thru forum land and get to know others here....HIV affects us all differently....and after only three years....your journey with HIV has just begun.

It is great to have you around Brad and hope most of us will benefit from your experience. You sound very positive which is lovely and think that is the attitude most of us require as we live with HIV.I have been here for over a year now and have found lots of very helpful dudes who have in one way or another helped me shape up to this new reality.

Brad had to go and work with his dad today and he wanted me too tell you all thanks for the welcome he has received on the forums. He is such a nice guy and was born in the same area as me. I can say one thing there is someone out there for us all.

Hey Guys, I am sorry I was busy today helping my dad. Thank you Jerry for thanking everyone for me. You all have made me feel so welcome here. THANKS!!!!!!! Joey, I know it is such a scary thing to just find out your HIV+. However just please keep in mind that its not the end of the world. Living with HIV now days is alot different then it was for them with it in the past. They have came so far with research and they keep going further everyday. Also remember you are not alone in this, we are all here for you and we stick together. We are one family, If you need someone to talk to we are always here for you. Jerry, you hit the nail on the head there is someone for everyone, good things come to those who wait. I really look forward to living with you and sharing my future with you if thats where it goes.... Well I just wanted to say thanks again myself to everyone. Huggs and Kisses, Brad

Thank you GSOgymrat, Yes it was ruff at first but I never gave up, we must never give up the fight against HIV, like I say I may have HIV, but HIV don't have me. Thanks for the welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brad

Hi everyone, Sorry I was not in for a while I went out of town to visit family. I hope everyone is doing OK. Things here are great.... I love the weather today, it's nice and sunny. Days like this makes me feel better.... Well just wanted to say hello to everyone..... Take care and God Bless!!!!!!!! Huggs and Kisses, Brad